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Saudi Arabia and Iraq to re-open Arar border crossing after 27 years

Saudi and Iraqi officials toured the site on Monday and spoke with Iraqi religious pilgrims, who for the past 27 years had access to the crossing only once annually during the Hajj season, the Mecca newspaper reported

Saudi border guards monitor cameras and radars on surveillance screens at the Arar regional command and control centre headquarters. AFP

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Saudi Arabia and Iraq plan to open the Arar border crossing for trade for the first time since 1990, when it was closed after the countries cut ties following Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait.

Saudi and Iraqi officials toured the site on Monday and spoke with Iraqi religious pilgrims, who for the past 27 years had access to the crossing only once annually during the Hajj season, the Mecca newspaper reported.

The governor of Iraq's south-western Anbar province, whose staff was on hand for the ceremonies, said the Iraqi government had deployed troops to protect the desert route leading to Arar and called its opening a "significant move" to boost ties.

"This is a great start for further future co-operation between Iraq and Saudi Arabia," said Sohaib Al Rawi.

The announcement follows a decision by the Saudi cabinet on Monday to establish a joint trade commission with Iraq.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have both held a series of high-level meetings with Iraqi officials in recent weeks as relations improve.